Construction Vibration Assessment – Rosyth, Fife

Forth Noise & Vibration was commissioned by J. Smart & Co. (Contractors) PLC to undertake a construction vibration assessment at a residential development in Primrose Lane, Rosyth. The work was undertaken to quantify vibration generated by active construction operations and provide an independent technical assessment against recognised industry guidance.

The challenge

The project involved active groundworks in proximity to existing residential properties. The assessment therefore needed to capture representative vibration from activities including excavation, loading operations and movements of tracked construction plant.

The monitoring strategy was designed to provide a robust assessment of construction-generated vibration while accounting for the relationship between the working area, monitoring location and nearby receptors.

Our approach

Forth Noise & Vibration carried out attended and unattended vibration monitoring using a triaxial ground vibration measurement system, recording peak particle velocity (PPV) and dominant frequency throughout representative construction activities.

Measured vibration was assessed with reference to BS 5228-2, covering construction vibration and human response, and BS 7385-2, which provides guidance for assessing the potential for vibration-related effects on buildings.

The assessment also considered the nature of individual construction activities and provided practical recommendations for maintaining good vibration-control practice during the works.

The outcome

The monitoring provided the project team with objective, site-specific vibration data and a clear technical basis for evaluating the effects of ongoing construction activities.

The assessment supported informed management of the works and provided practical recommendations for maintaining appropriate construction practices and determining when further monitoring may be beneficial.

Services provided

• Construction vibration assessment
• Vibration monitoring
• PPV measurement
• BS 5228-2 assessment
• BS 7385-2 assessment
• Building vibration assessment
• Construction environmental monitoring
• Technical support